Have you ever felt so fed up with one facet of your life you’ve been compelled to make an extreme change? Like, “I hate all of my black heels, they’re gross, I’m throwing them out.” Or, “This car is a piece of crap hooptie. I’m going to drive it into a wooded area, set it on fire and tell my insurance company it was stolen.”
I know exactly how you feel. Ever since I began my Broad Street Run training a few weeks ago, my eating habits have spun out of control. It’s no secret that I’m a bit of a cookie fanatic, but I generally moderate my addiction pretty well. Or at least I used to. Vacation didn’t help, either; I ate so much sugar one day in the Bahamas that, after washing my candy down with a regular Diet Coke (I rarely drink caffeine), I had a splitting headache that refused to go away. When we returned a few days ago, I decided “I’m gonna make a change, for once in my life.” The solution: an elimination diet.
Most people try elimination diets to identify certain foods that cause adverse effects (i.e., allergic reactions, sleep problems, skin disorders, digestive dysfunction, etc.). Team HCG (I’m not alone – Joe is voluntarily on board, too) decided to give this a shot as a form of detox to get our lives back on track. Our jail sentence adventure will last approximately two weeks.
What’s Out
- Gluten (includes all refined grains)
- Processed Foods
- Dairy (not eggs – someone please tell me I’m not the only one who thought eggs were dairy. A message to American grocery stores: when you stock eggs under a sign that reads “Dairy”, people are bound to get confused)
- Sugar
- Alcohol
- Caffeine (and non-caffeinated soda)
What’s In
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Organic Meat and Fish
- Brown Rice
- Water (!)
After two full days eating clean, I’m happy to report that the ED is going pretty well. I definitely feel a million times better (far less sluggish) and my workouts have been more enjoyable. Joe is having no problems; it’s like he was born for this damn thing (oh, and he lost 3 pounds in one day). Breakfast is by far the easiest and most delicious meal of the day. I’m a longtime smoothie lover, so these babies are a welcome addition to my daily diet:
I always made smoothies with skim milk, but it turns out they’re just as delicious when made with only blended fruit and ice. If nothing else, this ED has at least taught me that.
We recognize that our plan is very restrictive – hence the limited time frame – and roadblocks are sure to arise. We have a few social events over the next few weeks, and we intend to do our best but still enjoy ourselves (if you see me at the Jamaican Jerk Hut or Buddakan over the weekend, BACK OFF).
For now I’m diving back into that pile of produce pictured above. Those old bananas in the top right corner are calling my name.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
What are the rules on flavoring the meat and fish? Are spices or any condiments allowed?
Since I can’t exercise and am afraid of turning 35 and becoming obese, I have turned to Alicia Silverstone for advice! I read the Kind Diet and have used recipes from her book all week and have eliminated dairy. I feel better as well! Keep it up! Coconut milk for cereal is delish ( an nondairy) just FYI!
What about birthday cake for MR at next weeks book club?
I am totally inspired by this elimination diet! Ryan and I are going to give it a try!
Kara: The “rules” aren’t exactly set in stone, but we’re sticking to natural spices and herbs (salt, pepper, garlic, ginger, basil, rosemary, etc.). No ketchup, regular bottle marinades or anything containing corn syrup. It really hasn’t been that bad.
AL: Thanks for the tip! I’ve already looked up some of the Kind Diet recipes :) And when I’m back to eating cereal, I’ll give coconut milk (or maybe almond milk) a try.
JTS: Sadly, I’ll have to celebrate MR’s birthday with an extra serving of fruit instead of cake. I’ll make it up to her next year.
Nicki: Good luck! We actually aren’t hating it, and we feel very good. I’m sure Ryan, like Joe, will drop weight like it’s his first week on the BL ranch.